Pope visits Paris migrant center

On the second day of his trip to France, Pope Leo XIV visited Maison Bakhita in Paris, a center offering support and social integration services to migrants and refugees.

Center named after former slave saint

The facility is named after St. Josephine Bakhita, a former slave who became a religious sister in Italy and represents the fundamental role of women in building communities of love.

Real change comes from those who make room

The Pope said history is written not by those who dominate but by those who make room, initiate peace, build trust, and encourage life.

“the history of the Church and of humanity is not written by those who give the impression of winning by imposing themselves”

The poor are the flesh of Christ

The Pope said the poor are not a sociological category for Christians but the very flesh of Christ, calling us to practice charity and love them with recognition of their immeasurable dignity.

“the poor are not a sociological category for Christians but "the very flesh of Christ"”

No one too poor to give

The Pope said no one is so poor as to have nothing to give and no one so rich as to have nothing to receive. Life in abundance comes when each person's limitations open to others.

“No one is so poor as to have nothing to give; no one is so rich as to have nothing to receive”

All members need each other

Citing St. Paul, the Pope said every member of the Christian body needs every other member, and God arranged things so the weaker members receive greater honor to prevent division.